KILLED - Chicago Riverwalk: Birthplace of Chicago

 Join an expert guide on an essential Chicago experience - a guided walking tour of the premier Riverwalk! Two hours spent exploring the art, architecture, and all the special locals-only spaces in between. 

• Take a stroll down the Riverwalk, Chicago's architectural gem
• Go behind the scenes at the McCormick Bridgehouse Museum
• See the inner workings of Chicago's most famed and fabulous
• Take in stunning views of Chicago's pristine skyline
• Find hidden gems amongst the city such as a work by Picasso

Chicago was born on the banks of the Riverwalk. On this once-in-a-lifetime experience, meet up with a local guide, versed in all things Chicago for one highlight after the other in this essential two-hour walking tour. Today the Riverwalk is a collection of architectural wonders, bars, eateries, and lush green parks and featured on every must-see list of Chicago. So why not experience it with a little historical knowledge by your side (that's our guide!) and cultural direction - hitting the best of the best?

Meet your expert local on the south end of the Magnificant Mile setting out on a casual stroll. You'll be just under the shadows of the iconic Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower - two mammoths of architectural design and a great introduction to what is to come. Walk across the DuSable Bridge - hearing the catalog of achievements by Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable, the original settler to Chicago whose namesake adorns the bridge. As you cross the waters beneath, you'll be greeted by the sound of the rushing river paired with the towering skyline of downtown Chicago - what a moment!
Onwards to explore the original site of Fort Dearborn and the battles that played out there while making your way down to the official Riverwalk. With its bevy of buildings, eateries, parks, and iconic views of Chicago, this glorious stretch of the Windy City is a local (and visitor) favorite. Continue on with a behind-the-scenes peek into the five-story McCormick Bridgehouse Museum where you'll venture into the underbelly of the bridge to see the massive amount of engineering feats built to precisely balance this famed trunnion bascule bridge (that's like, a really cool bridge type). 

As we amble down the Riverwalk, we will encounter four distinct districts: The Confluence, The Arcade, The Civic, and The Esplanade each offering their own distinct character and offerings. Your expert guide is there to regale you with stories of lore and reality - like at the Jewelers Building - did Al Capone really have a super-secret speakeasy tucked in the rafters? 

Some other wonders of Chicago you'll encounter are Heald Square, with its monument to American Revolutionist financiers, the Vietnam Memorial, Marina Towers, the Site of the SS Eastland Disaster, and the Chicago Temple. For one of our last stops, we will visit a statue by Picasso aptly named “Untitled”, a 50-foot statue gifted by the artist to this incredible, incomparable city. 

For our grand finale, we will visit the famed Tiffany Dome, inside the Chicago Cultural Center - offering an explanation of the infamous symbol of the city of Chicago - the "Y". 

Sites Visited
Chicago's Riverwalk
Magnificent Mile 
Wrigley Building
Tribune Tower
DuSable Bridge
Site of Old Fort Dearborn
McCormick Bridgehouse and Museum (Behind the Scenes Access)
Jewelers Building
Heald Square
Vietnam Memorial
Marina Towers
Site of the SS Eastland Disaster
“Untitled” statue by Picasso
Chicago Temple
Chicago Cultural Center

• Chicago Temple Building, West Washington Street, Chicago, IL, USA
• The Wrigley Building, Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA
• Jewelers Building, E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL, USA
• McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL, USA
• Wrigley Building Health Club, 410 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
• DuSable Bridge, Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA

Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.